Sometimes you play games where you can’t help but be frustrated by their missed potential. On many levels Demon Turf has things going for it ranging from its visual style to its solid dialogue and voice acting to its cool soundtrack. The shame is that at the end of the day this is a 3D platformer at its core, and in that particular area it struggles, as you can gather pretty quickly by an oddly lengthy tutorial that mostly covers areas stronger games can take for granted as almost intuitive. In particular, the ability to drop a mobile checkpoint flag that you can return to in the level feels like an admission that mechanically the platforming can be problematic. I don’t doubt a part of the issue is the use of 2D figures moving on 3D backgrounds, something that gives the game a unique look but that greatly complicates depth perception, putting a round shadow on the ground below you or not. Whether reflecting on Mario titles or even indie contemporaries the platforming here is comparatively troublesome and the combat is generally underwhelming. I have no doubt that determined gamers who’ve exhausted their other options will adapt and plow through, likely enjoying themselves in the process, but if you’re less versed and looking for a rock solid indie 3D platformer there are several that I would consider stronger overall already out in the eShop.